The UK's breastfeeding rates are amongst the global lowest and a new Bradford District Breastfeeding Friendly scheme hopes to change that.

Launched by Bradford District Care Trust’s Community Infant Feeding Team, the scheme encourages businesses such as cafes and leisure facilities to support and accommodate breastfeeding mothers, in line with World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place from August 1 to August 7.

Jane Dickens, strategic breastfeeding lead for the Bradford district, said: "Although breastfeeding in public is protected by law, if mum is out and about, she can feel uncomfortable and at times unwelcome to breastfeed.

"We’ve recently been working closely with Start for Life so we can increase the number of Baby Feeding Support Sessions available through Bradford Council’s four Family Hubs – Bradford East, South and West, and Keighley and Shipley.

“Parents and carers can come along to meet others and to get advice and support from our experienced Community Infant Feeding Team members, however they are feeding."

Breastfeeding supports the development of healthy gut bacteria, which sets a healthy immune system up for life.

Breastmilk contains antibodies tailored to help babies fight infections including ear, chest and gut infections.

More information can be found on the Better Lives, Healthy Futures Family Health Services website.